First Baptist Church
Marshall, Harrison County, Texas
Marker Inscription
John Bryce (1784-1864), Baptist missionary and secret agent for U. S. President John Tyler during Texas annexation negotiations, and the Rev. George Washington Baines, great-grandfather of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, founded this church shortly before Texas became a state in 1845. Dr. William Evans, Marshall's first physician, and other leaders of the pioneer community were among the twelve charter members. Throughout its history, this fellowship has included men and women who were leaders in the city, state, and Baptist faith. Services were held in a brush arbor or nearby log schoolhouse until 1849, when a church building was erected on this lot, donated by State Legislator James McCown (1808-55). The small frame structure was replaced by a larger building in 1892. Members of this congregation organized the Second Baptist Church in 1904. They also helped establish the College of Marshall in 1912. This junior college later became East Texas Baptist College, a four-year school which is still actively supported by this church. The present sanctuary was constructed in 1953, and the children's building was completed in 1955. A new education building and chapel were erected in 1972, completing the church complex.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This congregation was founded on the eve of Texas statehood by John Bryce, a Baptist missionary who doubled as a secret agent for President John Tyler during annexation talks, and the Rev. George Washington Baines, great-grandfather of Lyndon B. Johnson. Early worshippers met in a brush arbor and a log schoolhouse before building on land donated by a state legislator in 1849. Its members went on to help found the College of Marshall, which became East Texas Baptist College.
Why it matters
The church links a future president's family to the founding generation of Texas and shows how frontier congregations seeded the region's enduring colleges.
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Related people
- · John Bryce
- · George Washington Baines
- · William Evans
- · James McCown
- · Lyndon Baines Johnson
Related events
- · Texas annexation
Themes & tags
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